TIRE SIZE

I´ve bought -by mistake- a 110/90 18 size front Metzeler for my ZX550A1, while the factory indicates a 100/90 18 as the proper front tire size for this bike. Will that little "extra meat" fit, or would it be wiser to go back to the shop and trade it for the right one?

Happy New Year

Will risk offering a few comments until someone more knowledgeable chimes in.

Am unaware of the stock tire brand that came on your bike, but know that actual measurements differ among different brands of supposedly the same size. Might be room in there for the 110 (may need to first let out the air to enable pushing it between the forks).

But surely Kawasaki had a reason for using the 100 (instead of a 110) which probably related to stability and handling. If the 100 allowed a good stable ride with no head shake at speed, why risk changing to the larger size (then having a used 110 tire the shop might not be so willing to trade for the 100)?

Having said this, someone with the actual experience of having gone to the Metzeler 110/90-18 (from the stock 100/90-18) on their ZX550A1, may come in to say it's the best thing since sliced bread.

OK, I think that I´ll go back to the shop and trade I for the 100/90 18 then. The tire remains brand new, I bought it on friday and didn´t install it yet. Actually I was going to take the tire to the mechanic shop where my bike is at right now, to ask the guy to do it for me.

Does the 100 (or 110) number indicates tire width or height? I´m never sure about it...

Section width, it's measured at the widest point with the tire inflated on a specified rim width.

I don't think you'll have any probs at all fitting that 110 on your bike.

On the '84 ZX550 GPz I once owned I swapped from a 100 to a 110 in front, and from a 120 to a 130 in the rear and never had any problems with handling or rubbing.... and I never went back to the OEM sizes.

I almost forgot to mention, I had switched from the OEM Bridgestone tires to Dunlop K591 Sport tires.



Post edited by: RetroRiceRocketRider, at: 2006/12/31 17:12

kawadruida wrote:

OK, I think that I´ll go back to the shop and trade I for the 100/90 18 then. The tire remains brand new, I bought it on friday and didn´t install it yet. Actually I was going to take the tire to the mechanic shop where my bike is at right now, to ask the guy to do it for me.


An investment I've never regretted, ever. Remember to also get it balanced (Some may argue about the need for spending this extra $5, but imho it's good insurance, besides then not having to wonder about it).

OK, following Patton´s and RetroRiceRocket´s suggestions I´m keeping my 110/90-18, and it will be strictly installed and balanced by a professional. Best of both worlds, right?

Happy New Year!